Whiplash in Concert to Feature Berklee Students in World Premiere

Berklee’s advanced jazz ensemble the Rainbow Big Band will take the stage with Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz in the world premiere of Whiplash in Concert, a live-to-film performance taking place at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston on Friday, October 28, at 8:00 p.m.

To bring his score to life in tandem with a screening of the film, Hurwitz is working with Berklee ensemble director and Grammy-nominated artist Tia Fuller, who will be conducting an 18-piece band featuring the acclaimed drummer Jamey Tate.

“The Rainbow Big Band is historically one of the most advanced and outward-facing Berklee ensembles, that gets the opportunity to perform with a myriad of guest artists. I am intentional about cultivating the ‘total musician’ by exploring the principles of wisdom, humility, forgiveness, nurturing, and spirituality—sustaining tools for the longevity of their career,” said Fuller. “The opportunity to work with the enormously intriguing compositions of Justin Hurwitz and Jamey Tate, who brings mind-blowing energy to the drums, has been a true thrill for our students. It will be exhilarating to watch it all come together in real-time with the movie and in a world-premiere setting!”

Whiplash in Concert, a coproduction between Cutting Edge Group and Hurwitz Concerts, in association with Bold Films, will combine the drama and the artistry of the original movie with the thrill of a live jazz band playing in time to the incredible soundtrack. Following the performance in Boston, the show will debut in select locations across the globe, including Toronto on October 30 followed by a festival premiere in Seoul, Korea, in November.

Hurwitz is one of Hollywood’s most recognized film scorers, and has earned two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, three Critics’ Choice Awards, two Grammys, and a BAFTA for his work on such films as La La Land and First Man. Tate is a highly sought-after drummer in Los Angeles who has performed with David Benoit, Christopher Cross, Paul Anka, and Quincy Jones, and on numerous major motion picture soundtracks, television shows, and commercials, including Jersey Boys, Empire, and Heartbreakers.

Fuller is an accomplished saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator. In addition to working extensively with Beyoncé, she served as assistant musical director for esperanza spalding’s Radio Music Society tour and performed with Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project and Money Jungle tours. She has also played with artists such as Ralph Peterson, T. S. Monk, Rufus Reid, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, and more. Fuller has recorded five albums, including Diamond Cut, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Whiplash tells the story of a promising young drummer (Miles Teller) who enrolls at a music conservatory, where his ruthless instructor (J. K. Simmons) employs harsh and extreme measures to bring about his student's full potential. The intense relationship between mentor and protégé is punctuated with a rich and diverse score and soundtrack that highlights the challenges of performing music at a world-class level. Whiplash won three Academy Awards including Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, and Best Supporting Actor (for Simmons).

Tickets are on sale now. In partnership with LiveNation, concert producers are offering 100 free tickets to Berklee students. To enter the giveaway, students should fill out this form by Thursday, October 27, at 9:00 a.m. Discounted ticket prices are also available for all students.